By this time Buck and Rube were almost as well acquainted with Case’s temper as were the other boys, so no attention was paid to this outburst of grouch.
“Where do you think he went?” asked Thede.
“You know as much about it as I do,” answered Rube. “Just take a look into the cabin.”
The cabin was a sight! Clothing was scattered over the floor, the mirror which hung above the sideboard was in tiny pieces, and the general appearance of the place was “on the bum,” as Alex expressed it. The boys gazed at the disorder for a moment and then returned to the deck to think it out.
By this time it was quite dark. A storm was coming up, and the boys decided to tie up for the night where they were.
There was plenty of provisions on the Esmeralda, and the hungry boys made a hearty meal. Thede and Clay shortly returned to the Rambler to acquaint Paul with what was going on.
“It seems to me,” said Buck, straightening up the disordered cabin, “that you boys have something in your minds that we ought to know, being as we are to sail together for a few days.”
“I don’t think we have anything on you, if we have!” Alex replied. “What’s it about those private interviews between Paul and yourselves?”
“You caught on, did you?” asked Rube, with a laugh. “Well, it is about time for a show-down, I reckon, don’t you think so, Buck?”
Buck nodded, and Rube continued.